Essence Music Festival presents a unique challenge for a naturalista: how to look cute for 15 hours straight, three days in a row, in 90 degree weather with high humidity where a thunderstorm might pop up at any given moment. AND you gotta be photo-ready and fly at any given moment. But never fear, the natural curly styles have been on point down here and over the next few days we'll be sharing some of our favorite natural hair looks.

Side Swept Curls

...just a lil sumpin on the side...

Curls pulled back just on one side have been popping up all over the Essence Music Fest. An extremely versatile look that can be executed on any hair texture or length, this style is quick, easy and FUN. You can make this style as simple or intricate as you like. If you want to keep things easy, just smooth one side to the back using pomade and secure with pins. For something more unique, use flat twists or corn rows to pull one side back. Here are a couple shots of this style we've seen down here in NOLA.

Renee Bluitt of In Her Shoes pairs the look with an easy denim top and a bright maxi skirt

An Associated Press photographer who has been natural for 6 years

CurlyNikki uses a part and side sweeping to jazz up her signature twist and curl.

Get the Look!

Use pomade to smooth the side down and add a bit of shine.

This is a perfect style to refresh second day hair from a wash'n'go or a twist out.